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19. Jake S - Fur Elise - Oh my goodness, I hear you about cliche (long story, don't ask). But I eventually caved and gave this one a go as well (with much more than 1 year exp., by the way ) The theme is fairly straight forward, but the rest of the piece is what is difficult. I liked the brightness and crispness you brought to the faster passages, something I couldn't achieve. Really, if you're playing this piece this well at 1 year, then don't hesitate to keep going. You've got a bright piano future!

26. Sand Tiger - Shadow - I'm glad to hear you expressing yourself, and liked the quote you added from Coltrane. The piano is a marvelous instrument that lets us express ourselves - well done!

41. Saranoya - Menuett in F - This is so much more appropriate than any Moonlight sonata than I can think of. You clearly have this under your fingers, and the way you played this nice piece contrasted so well with the bustle in the background - like a slice of heaven lighting an ordinary world. I would love to learn this piece, but I would just need to find an unmarked piano in a noisy place to record it on!

51. Pavel.K - Nocturne 21 in C minor posth. - Wow - 1 year? Well, you've inspired this old dog to at least try this one out, you play it beautifully! But I'm not sure I can get it to this level. Good luck and good fortune on your piano journey - you clearly have a talent for piano that should not minimized!

52. Allard - To Zanarkand - Well done playing this difficult piece on an unfamiliar piano in a piano shop! So, what's next?

49. GrouchoMarx - Prelude Op. 32 No. 12 Really cool. Haven't heard this one before and like it, so I've penciled it in on my 'to-learn' list when I am capable! It sounds very tricky to balance, I think you did a decent job and can only be more polished with a bit more experience? Nice work.

I must say, I am more and more impressed with the Roland sound everytime I hear a new recording. It does sound fantastic.

musical: overall impression, like: The melody and chords are there and the atmosphere is appropriate. Overall relaxing sound.I'm not into this kind of music but I'll try to give some suggestions. There are others around here that should be able to give you more detailed suggestions.I think the rythm is way too free and the melody should be brought out better. The version of this that I know (Billy Joel, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjCoBTzrN9E) has a very steady rythm. I'm missing the drive and clarity of Billy's version. Don't be fooled by the apparently smooth, free sound of Billy's version at the start (no drums and the organ sound), actually you can hear his timing is dead on right from measure 1.Now making it sound more like Billy Joel's version probably will be hard. Nothing to do with this particular piece, IMHO pop music generally works poorly on piano only. For one, you don't have drums and bass guitar to tighten up the rythm. Second, the singing is the main part of most pop. So I guess you have to somehow do both yourself.I'm not sure if you deliberately took this freedom of rythm but if you want something that sounds more like Billy Joel's version I suggest to play with metronome and make sure you know which (melody?) notes you want to play off time and play the rest right on the beat. Playing with the timing of the melody only works if the basic beat is very clear. My suggestion would be to play the organ part in the intro with LH legato with very little pedal (just too smooth out large jumps in LH if necessary) and put the melody in more voice-like (or trumpet-like somewhere halfway) articulations on top of it. Then later on the LH could get a bit less legator to get the 'beat' feel. The bass also can be much softer if you time it better, making it more balanced. Try playing both hands (voice and bass) separately and see if you can make each one interesting/spot on without the other one.Again, pop is hard on solo-piano and this is not my style so take this all with some spoons of salt Phrasing: not so clear, probably due to little dynamics and articulation. Bass is too loud, while the timing is off. rubato, speed changes: lot of speed changesDynamics: little. articulation: only pedal. Sort of suits the mood but you loose clarity and prasing due to this.

Mr. SH- Absolutely beautiful SH. One of your best. A very touching tribute.

Monica- Nevue really comes up with such nice chords and simple but sweet melodies. You have become a Master Nevue player!

Was True Beginner- I always look forward to hearing your latest original composition. This one has a sad and sweet feeling (as many of yours seem to) . I can really picture some scene from a movie as the two principles waltz through a dreamy landscape.

07. Diana (sinophilia) - Frankie & Johnnie + Space Shuttle Blues You give both of these pieces a swinging, jazzy charm. You play remarkably well for someone so new to piano. You have a good sense of rhythm.

09. SwissMS - Little Prelude in D Major BWV 936I’m so glad you are able to get back to the piano. This is really a fine rendition of Bach. You give this kind of a jazzy, jaunty feel that I really like.

35. Richard (zrtf90) - Notturno Op. 54 No. 4 This is beautiful nocturne, and you did it justice. Thank you for introducing me to it. It is now one more piece in my “to do some day. I like the light airy feel that you give it. Wonderful job.

36. Yamaha G3 & P-80, Mike White - Album Leaf You captured the Debussy sound very nicely. Your playing had nice clearity, which his music requires. Nicely played.

37. Ken. - Let's Cool One Nice “kick back and relax” jazz. I like the restrained approach to this. Well played.

38. FarmGirl - Brahms 118 #2 This is your “lame” attempt? It sounded fantastic! I would love to hear what you sound like when you are not sick. This is gorgeous! Outstanding job.

39. Mar_red - The Shadow of Your Smile & Misty - Medley. Very nice, relaxed approach to these songs. Very nice arrangements! I like your trills in Shadow. It is a nice touch. I hear your key change, If gives it sort of an upbeat feeling after that. I really enjoyed this medley!

40. Jazzwee - Stella by Starlight Sounds like you were having fun with this! Nice arrangement with the drum accompaniment. Nice improv!

41. Saranoya - Menuett in F I am impressed with your ingenuity in finding a piano to play this on. Very nice job under less than ideal conditions. Well played! I look forward to your Moonlight when you get it ready!

42. windywindy - Waltz in A Minor KK IVb/11 I love this waltz. It has such a haunting melody. You did a great job highlighting this in your interpretation. Nice job, especially for only one year back on the piano bench!

43. lyricmudra - Melodie from the Opera 'Orfeo' Beautifully played! You have come a long way in three years. Congratultions. This is such a sensitive piece of music, I can see why it lured you back to the bench!

44. Sam S - Arabeske Op. 18 Very nicely played, Sam. I am impressed with the ability to perform 10 minutes of music as well. The contrasting sections added interest, and the repeating Arabeske held it together. Great job!

45. Copper - Greensleeves I love this song. You gave it a lot of feeling. Nicely played.

46. Kenjazz - My Romance What a wonderful tribute to the one that you love! I like your slow approach to this song. It gives it just the right romantic feeling. Well done.

47. PianoStudent88 - No Walk Today A very interesting piece! It is mysterious and serious at the same time. I thought your interpretation worked well. Your variations in tempo worked well, and you kept the piece moving. Nice job!

48. carlos88 - Sarabande (from Pour le Piano) I find Debussy difficult to figure out pedaling, because his work calls for clarity and clear slurs. I thought you did a good job with this. You managed to keep the airy sections singing. Very nice!

11. Andy Platt - Invention No 4 in D MinorI admire you for taking on a piece as difficult as this one. A spirited performance. I like it at this faster tempo.

12. Amaruk - The Christmas song from 'An Elf's Story: The Elf on the Shelf'You never disappoint. Once again you have selected a beautiful piece and performed it to perfection. I am just loving tone of your new piano. It has such a deep and powerful bass without booming.

13. Peyton - After AllThis is a fine piece of writing – your piano playing is always first rate. I always enjoy your original work. The two handed runs are very impressive.

Last Batch! Congratulations to all the participants, and a big thank you to Monica and all the others that make this possible. It is a great asset!

49. GrouchoMarx - Prelude Op. 32 No. 12 Impressive performance! This looks and sounds quite technically difficult, and you made it seem effortless. I like your interpretation with restrained power. Very nice!

50. BillM - Georgia On My Mind I love your vocals and accompaniment. You nailed this one. Nice, soulful presentation. You have a great voice and I love your full, rich accompaniments.

51. Pavel.K - Nocturne 21 in C minor posth. This a wonderful performance for just a year of study. You have a nice balance between right and left hands. The melody sings very nicely. Great job.

52. Allard - To Zanarkand This is a very dramatic piece, full of heart. You played it very well, especially considering only 15 months experience. Nicely done.

53. MileHi Steve - Stagg Brew The electric piano sound brings out the characteristics of a Harp, so I think it works well for this piece. You have created a very rich arrangement that fits the pieces well. Beatiful music!

54. aTallGuyNH - Just The Way You Are It sounds like you ended up with a very nice arrangement! Very well played. You have learned a lot in 11 months. You are on your way to great jazz!

55. Aimee O - Sonatina in G The clarity of Beethoven’s sonatinas make them deceptively difficult. You did a very nice job with this. There is a good balance between right and left hand. I especially like the second movement. You gave it a nice dancelike feeling.

I just listened to ten or so pieces in this recital and I must say I was impressed and humbled at the display of talent/accomplishment. All the selections I listened to were good but I'd hardly describe many of you beginners!!! I can't wait to hear the rest of them tonight. Good job everyone.

01. Mr Super-Hunky - A Star Named Apple/ New Beginning Nice improve. Like the flow of the piece. Could have had a bit more dynamic range. The piano sound wasn't the greatest, is that an older Roland that you played on?

02. Inlanding - Glen - Elegie This sounds very familiar, even though I've never heard of Jules Massenet. The left and right hand are nicely balanced, and you bring out the melody well.

03. dannylux / Mel - Czerny Romance in E Op.755 Nice short piece that keeps the listeners interest. Overall well played though I myself would play the left hand more softly.

04. Plowboy - Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4 I love Chopin and this is a really nice prelude. I think you played this really well. I personally like a faster tempo but that's just preference. Nothing wrong with your dynamics. Only problem with your performance is the late middle part (forte) where the otherwise consistent tempo is disrupted. Try playing it at same tempo as rest of the piece and you'll have a nicely interpreted piece at your disposal.

05. slpianoproject - Nocturne in C# minor Op.27 no.1 More Chopin, I like. I think you played this really well, considering the difficulty of the piece. Left and right hand is nicely balanced, though at some parts the right hand could be a tiny bit louder... but that's trivial all things considered. There could be more dynamic contrast in the middle section (from p to fff, If I see fff I try to destroy the keys ;D). Non the less, you can be very proud of your performance, congrats.

06. CarlosCC - Julia I've played some Einaudi music myself but never hear this one, so thanks for introducing this well-performed piece to me. I like your dynamics and pace. Like many of Einaudis pieces this one is also quite repetitive, which is why I often shorten his pieces. But I take it that you play as the sheet music dictates so can't take anything away from your performance because of personal opinions.

07. Diana (sinophilia) - Frankie & Johnnie + Space Shuttle Blues Well played for under one year experience. Keep up the good work.

08. wouter79 - Allegro non troppo in c minor, op.38 no.2 I could probably learn a great deal from you about pedaling, something I over use. "Unpedalled" music often sounds dry and harsh to my ears, but not in your case, so you must be doing something right in that department. Needless to say everything is really clear and clean because of your choice to not use the pedal. You are probably right, the left hand could be a tiny bit softer, but otherwise you balanced the two hands well. In addition I like your dynamics. All in all really well played my good sir.

09. SwissMS - Little Prelude in D Major BWV 936 I've never been a big fan of Bach, and have never learned a single piece written by him. Might tackle parts of the Goldberg variations when I'm older though. My lack of understanding/appreciation of Bach makes my comments on his music somewhat irrelevant but regardless I don't see any obvious faults with your playing. You keep a super steady tempo, which I take is the proper way of playing Bach? Are there any dynamic variations within the piece or is it mp all the way? Is this piece a pure technical exercise? What am I rambling on about? No need to answer those questions just wanted to showcase my ignorance when it come to Bach.

10. CASINITALY (Cheryl) - Sneakin' Round Very enjoyable piece in equal measure from great performance and good source material. The piece flows nicely. You could probably try to add more dynamics but in addition to that the only other problem is the duration of the piece, it's way too short =).

_________________________
"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception. "

Got through `em all now. I`m not able to respond to all postings but I thank those who have; Its very encouraging.

There are a vast array of talents and piano sounds here! I`ve been impressed and very surprised. Digitals and Acoustics, not DPs v APs! We`re all in it together (WHO said that?) and it`s obvious to me that I can`t easily spot the difference even if you lot can!

This had made me consider Chopin`s nocturnes, Debussy and Haydn as essentials in my collection.

I might have to get a new piano . . . .Might be a Roland!

_________________________
"I'm playing all the right notes � but not necessarily in the right order." Eric Morecambe

Saranoya Thanks for your feedback. And you're probably right about my too harsh self criticism, it's just that I know that with a bit more effort and discipline I could do a better job(I realize that sounds stupid, 'cause that's true with just about everything). Also, one shouldn't let the progress of others affect(or effect? never learned the difference) ones own motivation of playing, quite the contrary it should motivate you further.

floydthebarber71 thanks - you are right one, of the harder parts is balancing the sound, you have to relax the right hand while maintaining fast tempo to get a softer sound.

SwissMS Appreciate the positive feedback. I commented on your performance as well. Hopefully you're not offended by my blunt comments. Your playing is very good but I just don't understand the music.

_________________________
"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception. "

Great stuff everybody.. I'll try to finish listening in the next couple of days but here's what I got to so far:

01. Mr Super-Hunky - A Star Named Apple/ New BeginningWhat a beautiful tribute! I’m sure Apple would agree. I especially love the New Beginning part. Great job.

02. Inlanding - Glen - Elegie This is one of those pieces that I’ve heard but didn’t know what it was. I love your rendition, and great job with the dynamics.

03. dannylux / Mel - Czerny Romance in E Op.755 That is gorgeous! It reminds me of a Disney song. Well played!

04. Plowboy - Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4 I never get tired of hearing this piece. I think you better than you give yourself credit for, because that piece can be hard to control. Good job emoting, too.

06. CarlosCC - Julia Doesn’t it feel great when you set out to play something and you think it’s going to be a bear and it turns out not to be? Beautiful playing. I understand what your wife means by it feeling like home.

07. Diana (sinophilia) - Frankie & Johnnie + Space Shuttle Blues Frankie and Johnnie is so much fun! I enjoyed it a lot! Not familiar with Space Shuttle Blues, but I like it too. You’re progressing well!

08. wouter79 - Allegro non troppo in c minor, op.38 no.2 It sounds great without the pedal(this means you didn’t have to cheat hehehe). This seems like it would be difficult to pull off, but you did so convincingly. I like it.

09. SwissMS - Little Prelude in D Major BWV 936 Wow, what a comeback from November! Great job voicing. I’m always jealous of the Bach players, because I want to play him too but his trills make me very afraid. Well done!

15. Greener / Jeff Green - Moments Musicaux - A flat major; Opus 94 No. 6 I adore that piece! It almost sounds like there are other instruments playing with you.

And I had to skip ahead to this one:38. FarmGirl - Brahms 118 #2 Well, I suppose I should start shooting whiskey and chasing it with wine. Then I'll go hang out with sick people. Maybe I’ll play half as well as you. I thought you did an excellent job!

Allard: Sorry about the loudness! This was my first recital entry so I'm still figuring it out. I might have flipped on of the Zoom's switches on accident too, because at one point thought I flipped a switch to turn it off, and I didn't.

Saranoya: Thanks! Actually, I read several places that it may not even be Beethoven at all. It was published after his death, and some think that his name was put on it to sell copies. So maybe it is too cutesy to be Beethoven!

15. Greener / Jeff Green - Moments Musicaux - A flat major; Opus 94 No. 6Good job on this – your rendition is stately and elegant. The recording has a full sound, almost like it was recorded in an echo chamber.

16. Riddler (Ed) - Reflections in DI’m not familiar with the Duke’s version of this so can’t make a comparison, but yours is just outstanding. I love the mood you have created with this – quiet, contemplative and introspective. Not only is your playing up to your usual high standard but the recording is professional quality. Super

19. Jake S - Fur EliseOne year??? Really?? You have major talent. This is a lovely piece of work. You have such a wonderful natural touch and your phrasing is just right. I am deeply impressed.

25. Jazztpt (Russ) - Another Song + MayaThis is fine submission. I always enjoy your work. You have such a smooth playing style and your recording is crystal clear. Love the sound of your piano – it complements your talent nicely. Of the two I think I prefer Another Song but actually like them both very much.

28. Daren - Quanta QualiaYou are right – this is a very nice piano piece and you play it with confidence and style. A lovely recording – love the powerful right hand.

30. Peterws - Regrets. I have a Few . .Outstanding production. Not only is this a fine composition but I’m blown away by the quality of the audio production. Clearly you have spent some time bringing this to completion. The waves at the end are a nice finishing touch.

31. MaryBee - Waltz in C# minor, Op.64 No.2I enjoyed your playing as much as your heart-warming story. This is a fine accomplishment.

32. BenPiano - All of These Things For YouThis was fun! I just wished the vocal was a little louder. I’m sure you got major points for this.

33. Ganddalf - Sonata A-flat major (Hob XVI - 46) first movementYou are certainly an accomplished pianist. Your trills and runs are beautifully executed and precise. I love the sound of your piano and the overall “crispness” of this recording.

Thank you for your encouraging comments on my submission! Thank you to all who work to put this e-cital together each quarter and to everyone who submitted their fine music. I look forward to listening to more of it.

01. Mr Super-Hunky - A Star Named Apple/ New Beginning A fantastic song with wonderful twists and turns. What makes this one even more special is the fact you dedicated it to a PW friend. Great work, MSH!

02. Inlanding - Glen - Elegie Nice going with the melody, so much so that you added another measure just to make sure. Keep this one in your repertoire and keep thinking of the subtleties.

03. dannylux / Mel - Czerny Romance in E Op.755 Nicely played, indeed. I'd never taken the time to listen to any Czerny pieces, but instead did practice in the past using Czerny exercises. Great mood and dynamics you bring to the fore. Beautifully done.

04. Plowboy - Prelude in E Minor Op. 28, No. 4 Very interesting you utilized the chords in the left hand in somewhat a march style. Good work on this. It's a keeper and under your fingers it will mature over time quite nicely.

05. slpianoproject - Nocturne in C# minor Op.27 no.1 What a fine interpretation! You kept my attention the entire time and expressed fine variance to the theme throughout. Good work!

40. Jazzwee - Stella by StarlightNow this is a toe-tapper! I always like hearing your latest opus and this is a real treat. You play with a cool, laidback hipness that is very easy on the ears. If I could play like this I’d quit my day job (if I had a job).

16. Riddler (Ed) - Reflections in D: Those are some very cool chord changes!! And I love your flourishes and runs. Just the song I needed to hear after a long, frazzled day.

17. Monica K. - Just Because I Love You You had to hesitate on that super-easy measure right near the end of the piece, didn’t you?!

18. ladypayne - Improv in G minor: This has a lovely, slightly sad Slavic flavor. This may be my favorite of your compositions to date.

19. Jake S - Fur Elise: This song became a cliche because it was so appealing through the years, and your rendition is no exception. And you played the complicated middle part to boot quite expertly.

20. Serge88 - Fly Me To The Moon: I used to play this on accordion, so it has a soft spot in my heart. You could be a cocktail pianist in any swanky hotel.

21. Teodor - Donnie Darko - The Artifact and the Living: Good job on a brooding piece that captures well the darkness of the movie. And even though it’s “not complicated,” it’s still hard to keep that bass rhythm even and steady, and you do so commendably.

22. (Was)TrueBeginner - Us: This is such a pretty, almost plaintive, melody. Very impressive! And the video quality from your Flip camera was terrific.

23. MusicaMusique - Keresem Az Utam: I was confused at first, when I hit the “video link” and got the original song, but it helped when I listened to your cover of it. I think I prefer your solo piano version of it, actually. Very catchy melody, well played.

24. MrPozor - Un poco adagio: Very nicely played! I wasn’t familiar with this piece, but it has a nice Baroque air. And I was very impressed by your video; the camera angle seemed perfect. How did you set that up?

25. Jazztpt (Russ) - Another Song + Maya: Wonderfully smooth and dreamy to begin with, and then smooth and lilting. Love that baby photo!

41. Saranoya - Menuett in FI admire your perseverance and pluck in getting this recorded and submitted. The background noise gave it a real authentic recital feel. Well done!

42. windywindy - Waltz in A Minor KK IVb/11What an interesting description of this piece. You have obviously given the structure a lot of thought. Your playing is equally expressive. A very fine and confident performance. The abrupt ending caught me a little off guard.

43. lyricmudra - Melodie from the Opera 'Orfeo'You are a fine pianist. What a masterful performance. An appropriately high quality video to accompany your fine submission.

44. Sam S - Arabeske Op. 18This is a real accomplishment. I can’t imagine being able to play a 10+ minute piece of this complexity. You Da Man!

46. Kenjazz - My RomanceWhat a fine performance! I’m a big James Taylor fan (I almost did one of his songs for this recital) but never heard him do this. After hearing your excellent rendition I’ll have to look it up. An absolutely beautiful melody played with your patented style and charm.

49. GrouchoMarx - Prelude Op. 32 No. 12Bravo! This is very well done. I enjoyed watching your video as much as listening to your masterful performance – your hands seem to float over the keyboard. Wow!

55. Aimee O - Sonatina in G - Yes - a piece I'm familiar with! I couldn't help but hum along as you played. I'm glad you made it in under the wire and could share with this with us. This is relatively "easy" but terribly difficult to pull off both movements in a single take because it's so long. I never could and had to record each separately. Bravo, well done, and on to the next project!

47. PianoStudent88 - No Walk Today - Well done, you nailed this one! I hear a lot about Khachaturian but have never tried a piece - perhaps next recital?

43. lyricmudra - Melodie from the Opera 'Orfeo' - um, it's hard for me to comment, or offer anything of importance, on something so beautifully played like this. This sort of thing is in the realm where I take a step back, shake my head up and down for yes, and just shut up and listen. wow.

[b]SwissMS Appreciate the positive feedback. I commented on your performance as well. Hopefully you're not offended by my blunt comments. Your playing is very good but I just don't understand the music.

No offense taken! People are either into Bach or they are not. This was written as a teaching piece and the steady rhythm is expected, as it is in much of Bach's work. The dynamics vary in each voice as they take the lead and rescind, but the overall piece is pretty steady. Think 17th century church choir. At least that is my interpretation.